Why do my corn tortillas crack when I roll them?

Corn tortillas need proper warming to become pliable. If they're cracking, try warming them a bit longer or placing them between damp paper towels before microwaving. You can also briefly dip each tortilla in warm oil before filling to make them extra flexible.

Can I make these ahead for a party?

Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and roll the taquitos up to 24 hours in advance, keeping them covered in the refrigerator. Cook just before serving, or cook completely, refrigerate, and reheat in a hot oven to crisp them up again.

How do I know when the oil is the right temperature for frying?

If you don't have a thermometer, test by dropping a small piece of tortilla into the oil. It should bubble moderately and begin to brown within about 30 seconds. If it browns immediately, the oil is too hot; if it takes longer than a minute to start browning, the oil isn't hot enough.

Are these taquitos gluten-free?

Yes, these taquitos are naturally gluten-free when made with corn tortillas and as long as you check that your spices and canned chiles don't contain gluten additives. Always verify ingredients if serving to someone with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Crispy Baked or Fried Taquitos Recipe

Description

Crunchy, flavorful, and easy-to-make, these baked or fried taquitos are filled with tender shredded chicken, beef, or pork, seasoned with bold spices, and wrapped in warm corn tortillas. Perfect as a delicious snack, appetizer, or even a weeknight main course, they’re versatile and loved by all. Whether baked for a healthier version or fried for extra crispiness, these taquitos are irresistibly good!

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Filling:

2 cups shredded chicken, beef, or pork
1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
1 (5-ounce) can diced green chiles, finely chopped
1/4 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Taquitos:

20 corn tortillas
Oil for frying or spritzing

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven (for baking):
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures your taquitos get evenly cooked and crispy if you choose to bake them.
2. Prepare the Filling:
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, beef, or pork with green chiles, diced onion, cheddar cheese, ground cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Stir mixture until evenly incorporated.
3. Warm Corn Tortillas:
Wrap the corn tortillas in a clean kitchen towel and microwave them for 30-45 seconds. This helps soften the tortillas, making them easy to roll without cracking.
4. Assemble the Taquitos:
Spoon 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture in a line across each tortilla. Carefully and tightly roll the tortilla with the filling inside. For assurance they stay rolled, place them seam-side down on a baking sheet or secure them with a toothpick.
5. Bake the Taquitos (Oven Method):
Lightly spritz or baste each taquito with cooking oil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the taquitos are golden and crispy. Let them cool for 1-2 minutes before serving.
6. Fry the Taquitos (Deep Fry Method):
Heat about 3 inches of oil in a skillet over medium heat until the temperature reaches 375°F (190°C). Gently place the rolled taquitos seam-side down into the oil. Fry in batches for 3-4 minutes or until golden and crispy. Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Let cool for 1-2 minutes before enjoying.

Notes

Air Fryer Instructions: Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Follow the same steps up to assembling the taquitos. Lightly spritz them with oil and air fry for 6-8 minutes or until crispy and golden.
Make sure to handle the tortillas carefully while rolling to avoid cracking. If they’re too dry, you can further moisten them with a damp cloth before rolling.
You can use store-bought rotisserie chicken to save prep time.
Serve with guacamole, salsa, sour cream, or enjoy them plain!

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 taquito
Calories: 120
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 180mg
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 13g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 15mg